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shop Act, in Section 27, prohibited the occupation of underground
bakehouses unless they were in use before January 1st,
1896.
The Factory and Workshop Act of 190 1 enacted that no
underground bakehouse should be used unless certified by the
Sanitary Authority as suitable, as regards
1. Light.
2. Construction
3. Ventilation.
In 1894 the Master Bakers' Association of Manchester and
Salford stated that they would favourably consider any proposed
Act of Parliament that would gradually close all underground
bakehouses, provided the reasonable interests of the trade were
safeguarded, and others considered at this time that underground
bakehouses were doomed.
Great improvements, however, have been made since this
period, in many of the underground bakehouses, as to sanitary
conditions, ventilation and lighting; where formerly daylight
could not penetrate, it is now supplied by means of reflectors,
pavement lights, electric lights, &c.
The Sanitary Authority has now the power to decide which
underground bakehouses may still be used. Should, however,
this body refuse to give a certificate of suitability, the occupier
of the premises may appeal to a summary court of jurisdiction,
then the justices would certify, instead of the Sanitary
Authority.
It is to be hoped that neither body will sanction a continuance
of these premises unless a sufficiently high standard of suitability
is secured. The Incorporated Society of Medical
Officers of Health have considered the question, and have
drawn up an excellent document of suggestions.